My week has been full of interviews. One in-person interview, phone interview, and a mock interview for a class I am taking. Needless to say, if I don't know how to carry myself or perform well in an interview than I probably shouldn't even be writing this blog. There are so many small things you can do in an interview that will be very beneficial into landing a job, there are also things that you need to stray away from…here are some tips I have learned.

Use Professional Tone // It is important in an interview to not talk like you would text. Speak professionally and stray away from words that are not grammatically correct or improper. You don't need to read the dictionary before the interview but it is smart to know key terms that are involved with the type of job you are applying to (i.e. medical terms for medical school interview).

Don't Use Fill Words // Words such as like, um, ya know, so, well, etc. are not good to use. To train yourself from not using the words, take a deep breath before you answer every question or put your tongue at the top of your mouth before you speak. If needed, don't be afraid to say, "Let me think about that question for a minute."

Answer Questions Completely // If the employer asks you to name three strengths you posses, you better list three strengths. It is good to take a brief moment after each question is asked to collect your thoughts. If you race into answering the question, you will be more likely to miss something important you wanted to say or even part of the question that was asked.

Prepare a 60 Second Summary // Generally, at the beginning of every interview the interviewer asks you to describe yourself. A 60 second summary is essentially a paragraph that explains where you are in life right now (college, graduate, etc.), what your goals are, what your strengths are, why you are qualified for the particular position, etc. This summary should be easy to memorize because it is all about you! It gives the employer a little more insight to who you are and it impresses them that you have something prepared and you don't just say, "I graduated, I like broccoli and making money." A little substance is nice:)

Be Confident // This point can be difficult, especially if you are an introvert or a very nervous person. My trick to staying confident (or at least coming across confident) is being prepared the night before. I like to have my resume ready and printed, my outfit picked out (if you aren't sure what t wear, JUST CALL), my alarm clock set, and my day planned out. I like to arrive to an interview 10-15 minutes early, this gives me time to check out my surroundings (this calms my brain); before I walk into a room to be interviewed I always take two deep, deep breaths. These breaths shake any nerves that I have and I feel ready to tackle the questions at hand.

Love What You Do And Be Excited // The most important thing you can do for yourself is be excited. It is important to love your job, if you don't, find a new one. The career you hold is the basis of your life and if you are not happy, it will effect all other aspects of your life. If you are applying to a job that you really want, you are probably excited…stay excited…be happy…and have a good attitude, these will resonate with your employer. I had an interview this week where the employer told me she loved my attitude…it is all about loving what you do and staying positive!!

A couple weeks ago I went to the zoo with my grandpa and little brother. This was a very eye opening experience and you are probably asking yourself how that is so. I was able to witness how my nine year old brother views the zoo compared to my 70 year old grandpa. Not only that, the whole time I was at the zoo I kept correlating it to a blog post…which is what I do with just about everything these days.

Yes, in the South Dakota zoo we have cows…not like any road you drive down you can't look to your left or right and see a large cluster of them, I guess it's for those out-of-staters.

This is probably one of my favorite animals at the zoo, the Colobus Monkey. This little guy above was so precious, just taking a nap on his rope…at least I think he was taking a nap. If he wasn't napping then he was seriously contemplating suicide or creating an escape plan. The funny part of this story is my little brother stopped to look at this monkey and after a few minutes started walking away; he then turned around and said, "Ok, I just have to ask, what is that little white thing?" I looked at him and said, "I believe those are his private parts (I tried to be filtered)." My sweet brother said "Ohhhhhhhhkkk, never mind then!" and turned around…kids sure say the darndest things. As I look at this picture I am wondering if it is a belly button or indeed private parts…anything is possible in the world today.

There are about 10 peacocks that roam around the zoo freely. It's as if they are the "colorful people" in all the zoo and don't really care what people think…I commend you peacock.

The zoo makes me sad most of the time because 99% of the animals just look depressed or sick…if I could let them out of their gates and set them free I would, but I would probably be arrested. In any sorts, the zoo made me happy to have my freedom…and even better, the freedom to become and do whatever I want with my life.

One thing I love about kids is how honest and sweet they are. I think it is good for parents to teach their children honesty at an early age because hopefully it will stick with them as they grow older. Honesty is such a good foundation…to some extent. Last week I was babysitting (I do this a lot) and the cutest 6 year old looked at me and said, "What's wrong with your face? It's all wrinkly." I was mortified, shocked, sad, angry, and humiliated. I know what you're thinking, he is a just a kid…but that is the point. Kids don't hold back, they tell it like it is, and if this 6 year old has noticed something wrong with my face, the whole world has noticed. The wrinkles? Those are acne scars; something I have been battling for a long time. I wrote a post here about my skin issues, but to sum that post up: I developed a really bad skin infection on my face and it took forever to clear up. Although my acne is cleared up (except for the wonderful, occasional, hormonal acne) I am still battling with the scars. I am on the verge of finding something that will heal these scars without breaking my bank account. Some things I do already:

A simple egg mask, use the white of an egg and whisk it until it is pretty liquidy. This mask tightens and brightens your face like you wouldn't believe and seriously reduces the visibility of your scars. If you have an event use this mask 3-4 times a week and you will see beautiful results.

3// Replenish. I like to use a toner that balances the oil and dryness on my face because I notice my scars more when I have dry or oily skin. My favorite is this one!

4// Treat. I like to use something that is specifically for scars. I have tried many things and the next on my list is Renee Rouleau's Post Breakout Fading Gel. I used Renee's Anti-Cyst Treatment and it worked wonders!! Also, Demi Lavato swears by these products so I am game.

I went from this girl about 4 years ago… {cover your eyes}

To the girl who is still trying to repair the damage everyday (and no I didn't edit, going au natural;)…but as long as you don't give up you will see results. I realized I am not the only girl who went through a terrible face issue. As ladies (and gents) we need to support each other and lift each other up…especially when the whole world is looking at the problem.

Yes, I have some wrinkles and it looks as though I may have some dimples (but I don't), but with perseverance my face has cleared up a whole lot.

What are your face products you use to clear acne, scars, dryness, or oily skin?

I am sure at one time or another we have all dealt with issues in which we have a hard time forgiving. Forgiveness is not an easy thing to do and if anyone really, truly, knows how to do it….well, you are one hell of a person. When I got home from work today I was bummed about how the day went and my thoughts led me to many unforgiven moments. I have realized, you can forgive, you have to forgive, to move on with your life. There are still so many times when I look back a few years ago, a few weeks ago, and even a few days ago and I am still distraught about the situations. But why? Not being able to forgive keeps me from being happy and I am sure it keeps you from being happy as well.

Not only should we try and forgive those who have wronged us or forgive situations that have happened but we should seek forgiveness. I am laying all my cards out there tonight when I fold my hands; I am tired of being stressed, over worked, anxiety stricken, worried, angry, unhappy, and not a very good person (when all of those are combined).

I have done things in life that I probably shouldn't have, I have screwed up, I have made mistakes, I am only human…and so are you. If a person is not willing to forgive, then they are choosing to be lost; lost in the world of unhappiness and selfishness.

Moving on, I choose to forgive the past and look forward to the future…who's with me?

What are some things you do to forgive others? Forgive situations? Seek forgiveness?

We have all heard of the Kardashian family. If you don't hate them, then you probably love them. It is some sick, twisted love, but the family has a way of annoying you so much you can't stop taking your eyes off the television. I was recently watching the latest episode (guilty pleasure) and I realized that the Kardashians can teach us so much about life. Who would've thought…

1. If something makes you happy in life, do it. Don't waste your time doing something you hate.

2. It is a very good idea to coordinate outfits with your significant other…it gives off the vibe that you have class and sophistication. And if you can, share clothes, that is even better.

3. Tell it like it is. Don't hold back in life, get it all out there, even if it is hurtful.

4. Use all the free stuff you can get, it doesn't matter how much money you have. Life isn't cheap, and free stuff is FREE.

Life is full of un-expectations (if that is even a word). We all expect things in life, we all hope and pray for certain things to happen, but we don't realize that life brings us mostly things we don't expect.

I have been commanded/summoned/subpoenaed to go to court. I don't think I am ready to talk about the situation on here, and legally I might not be able to. Don't worry, I am not a criminal and I haven't performed any illegal actions. The thing is, I never in my life expected this to happen…but it did. The only thing I can do is get through it to the best of my ability and pray for a positive outcome.

There are so many things we pray (if you pray) or hope for to happen. I hope I get that job, I pray my check-up goes well, I pray my blog becomes successful, he prays she doesn't cheat, she prays she looses weight and so on. Why don't we ever take a step back and pray/ think/ hope for the un-expected?

No one expected she would get cancer.

No one expected him to be arrested.

No one expected their grandmother would have dementia.

No one expected to lose their job.

No one expected to claim bankruptcy.

No one expected their actions would hurt someone else.

No one expected they would get a divorce.

No one expected she would have a baby at 16.

No one expected a plane would be shot down.

No one expected all the horrible and cruel things that take place in the world.

But these things happen. They happen all the time. I was blindsided, I wasn't expecting the unexpected.

I think instead of saying all the things I wish for, it would be better for me to say, "I hope that whatever unexpected thing comes my way that I have the strength and courage to get through it." We live life based on hopes and dreams, and that is okay, however, I think it is better to look at life everyday as if something unexpected will happen, because it will.

On another note…cheers to the weekend!! Have a great weekend friends!!

Last week I received a package in the mail from my Great Aunt who lives in California. She is one of the funnest people I know. She is always laughing and I have some of the greatest memories with her. Once, when I was little she was teaching me how to say "that deer has a big butt" in French, to this day I still know that 'derriere' means butt in French. Anyway, I opened the package and it was my college graduation gift!

I was already intrigued on what this gift entitled because she always has the best and funnest gifts ever….turns out, this gift was made for me (theoretically).

Since I cannot read you this book, I will write it, most of it because it is just that good.

// Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum.

// Do one thing everyday that scares you.

// Floss.

// Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. (This is my life)

// Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on.

// Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard.

// Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.

// Maybe you have a trust fund. Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse. But you never know when either one might run out.

// Don't expect anyone else to support you.

// And trust me on the sunscreen.

I think it is important to read books like this. To understand that other people are going through things like you are, and to see the world as an opportunity, not a battle. This gift is just what I needed; I tend to get lost in certain situations and it is small things such as this that have a way of bringing me back on track. Thank you GREAT Aunt;)

I would recommend buying your book here (I haven't disclosed all the goodness of it yet)!

Ever since I graduated, I have been trying to figure out what makes me happy in life. So many times we spend our time trying to make others happy, yes this is important, but it is a little difficult to make others happy if you are not happy with yourself. I have realized that one thing that not only makes me happy but gives me energy and confidence is trying to become fit. I have always tried to workout and I have maintained my weight since I was in high school, thank goodness for that because I never would have been able to afford new jeans in college:). The difference between then and now is that I have found something that makes me feel good and keeps me happy rather than something I just did because I wanted to fit in.

// Exercise //
I have tried almost every kind of exercise in the book: running, walking, Billy's Bootcamp, yoga, ab workouts, water aerobics, Zumba, and the list goes on. I have recently found a fitness place in my city that I LOVE, called Form Fitness. I walk out of every class disgustingly sweaty and that's what I like. This fitness studio is all based on classes from Indoor Rowing to Power Kinyasa Yoga to BarreAmped. These classes really, really focus on your muscles and getting in shape. I am not saying go find a place like this, but find something that you enjoy otherwise you will not work as hard, be as motivated, and become as energized as you would.

// Hydration //
Drink Water. Period. Get rid of pop and sugary juices. To switch it up, I like to drink chocolate milk if I am craving something other than water, and besides my coffee that is all drink.

// Food //
This is the hard part for me. I love sweets…so I don't get rid of them, but I try my hardest to minimize them around the house. I am not on some crazy diet and I don't necessarily think you should be. I will have a smoothie or yogurt for breakfast (with my coffee), salad and fruit for lunch, Skinny Pop or edamame for snack, and dinner is always pretty healthy unless we go out to eat, and even then I try to order something that has less calories. The trick is finding things that you love. I love edamame and I found a huge bag of organic edamame at Costco, sold. Skinny pop tastes so good and it is only 100 calories for a cup! I still love the occasional ice cream cone and Laffy Taffy…it is all about balance.

// Outfits //
It may seem funny but I think dressing the part of excercising is important. I stopped wearing those college and high school t-shirts with the club or school name printed on them and found some cute workout wear that is comfy but also makes me feel good. It took some time to find things I like but once I did I got them in every color;).

These Under Armour short sleeve, semi-fitted t-shirts are my favorite! They are not skin tight (I hate tight clothing) but they still show your curves off. There are so many colors too, which is awesome. Get them here.

Don't think I am telling you that my way is the only thing that works. The moral of the story: I have found a workout routine, healthy food, and clothes that I love. These things keep me motivated to work out and try to live a healthy lifestyle.

Find what you love, what makes you happy, and do that. If you have to try a million different things then so be it. The payoff of enjoying life is so much greater than wasting your time not being {happy}.

It's happening….I have to officially be an adult. I am dealing with real adult problems and I must say, I'm not lovin' it. As a kid, all I wanted to do was grow up. I wanted to have the perfect job, a beautiful, organized house, and do whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. If I could, I would take all that back. Life goes by so fast and in the blink of an eye you are a 22 year old, college graduate, living paycheck to paycheck, trying to decide what to do with your life, pulling out chin hairs, and oh, and dealing with all the other adult-like things.

Yea, this happy, sunflower wearing little girl, is now an obsessive compulsive, at times crabby, real-world adult.

I recently got in a car wreck, not too terrible, a sweet old lady rear-ended me. The real problem started when I had to take it in to get it estimated; essentially my estimator told me my car wasn't safe to drive….and here I have driven it for two weeks now. Then there is dealing with the scheduling, and trying to get a rental car, and dealing with the insurance companies. I wish I could stop my feet, roll around on the floor, scream and cry, but nooooo, I have to be an adult. No one tells you as a kid you are going to have to deal with all these crappy issues, and time doesn't stop or slow down so you eventually have to grow up.

Here is what I have learned so far in my adulthood:
1. Working out isn't an option, you should probably just do it. Your butt gets bigger, your love handles will grow and that tiny pooch over your stomach won't be tiny anymore.

2. The only time you have to workout is either super early in the morning or late at night. You have a job, and laundry, and you have to make dinner. I went to a rowing class this mooring at 6:30. That may not be early to some but I couldn't believe I was up at that time and I was actually working out!! No bueno.

3. You cannot eat whatever you want. Sorry ice cream cone that I just ate, you will be worked off tomorrow, you cannot stay and enjoy the company of the other fat on my love handles. Your metabolism slows down and you are tired ALL the time, so eat healthy because it will give you more energy.

4. You tire easily. My bedtime as gone from 12:00 to 8:00pm within weeks. It is unbelievable how exhausted I am. I will admit, working out and eating healthier helps me be less tired but nevertheless, I am still tired.

5. Everything and anything costs money; unless you make it big at the casino. And your paychecks go to things that you don't want to pay for, like rent, dish detergent, extra scented trash bags, and toilet paper. It is a total Debbie Downer.

6. Get insurance, for EVERYTHING. Your cell phone, your clothes, whatever, just have insurance. Thankfully my dad still pays my car insurance so the recent hail damage and car wreck are not an issue, however, I just broke my beautiful gold iPhone 5. No insurance and they can't fix the screen so I will have to buy a new one…at full price. Again, no bueno.

7. Your body will start to ache in the morning, even randomly during the day. I get out of bed as slow as molasses due to the crick in my back and crink in my neck.

This post may seem like I am complaining/whining and that may be…I had a rude awakening today and I wasn't all that ready, start preparing yourself and take precautions as you enter the world of adulthood. If you are already in the world, good for you, keep trucking, I am sure something good will happen soon, like payday or maybe you will save money on your car insurance, or get lucky on bingo night. Whatever it is, enjoy the small moments of happiness and bliss, they keep you going.

For now, I will enjoy this ice cream cone and live vicariously through my sweet nine year old brother.

Have you ever tried this? Today I plunged off the virgin dock of hot yoga and swam into unknown waters. All I can say, it was hot, really hot, but it was the best workout ever. If you are looking for something new in your workout I would recommend this version of yoga and here is why:

1// You will sweat more than you ever have.
I don't know about you but I am not the biggest fan of sweat; however, after a good run or intense workout, sweat is what makes you feel like you accomplished something. I have never sweat more in my life than I did at hot yoga and I thought to myself: I am burning calories, plus I am dripping in sweat…I am essentially losing more weight than a normal workout. SCORE!

2// Yoga Mats are FUN.
Who doesn't love a good yoga mat? I had a really cute orange one awhile back but lost it so today before class I decided to purchase one and the lady told me the one she recommends to everyone (the most expensive) is a Lululemon yoga mat. I sighed and decided I wasn't in a mood to disappoint people so I bought the expensive Lululemon mat and went to class. Turns out, she was right…I love it and you will too. I have this one.

3// You get to wear cute workout gear.

Workout gear these days are so cute! I particularly love UnderArmour, GapFit, Athleta, Old Navy, and Nike things. Please note: wear thin clothing, a tank-top, headband, and deodorant.

4// If you love yoga, this is even better.

I love yoga; I took a physical education yoga class my first year of college as a requirement and fell in love with the whole concept. There is something about having your body, mind, and spirit all aligned that feels wonderful. Yoga is a great workout and it is even better to be dripping in sweat when you are done because you are burning more calories:)

5// Try New Things

Lately I have been on a kick where I like to try new things. As humans we get comfortable. Comfortable with everything in our daily lives; our breakfast, job, workouts, sleeping schedule, etc. I think it is wonderful to keep your life interesting and try new things because when you are 90 and can't move I will be 90 and flexible as heck because I decided to try hot yoga:)

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